Scientists develop catalyst to convert ethanol into high-value chemicals and fuels

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Though we usually think of ethanol as fuel for the gas tank, it can also be transformed into valuable chemicals that could help replace a variety of petroleum-based products beyond just gasoline. However, evolving ethanol for a broader range of industries requires chemical processes that are more efficient than what is available today.

Scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have developed a  that converts ethanol into C5+ ketones that can serve as building blocks for everything from solvents to jet fuel. In a new paper, they describe this breakthrough chemistry and the mechanism behind it.

This innovative catalyst works by efficiently facilitating the conversion of ethanol into longer-chain ketones, which are essential for producing high-value chemicals and fuels. Unlike traditional methods, which often require high temperatures and expensive materials, the PNNL catalyst operates under milder conditions while maintaining high selectivity and yield. This advancement not only makes the process more cost-effective but also significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with chemical production. By leveraging ethanol—a renewable and widely available resource—the technology presents a sustainable alternative to fossil-derived chemicals.

Beyond its immediate applications in jet fuel and solvents, this catalytic process has the potential to revolutionize multiple industries, including pharmaceuticals, plastics, and specialty chemicals. The ability to create C5+ ketones from ethanol opens doors for greener production pathways, reducing reliance on petrochemical feedstocks. The existence of the modern pharmaceutical industry relies entirely on chemical manufacturing capabilities, and innovations like this could help improve the efficiency of producing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Drug discovery and large-scale pharmaceutical production depend on exact chemical reactions to generate APIs, and more sustainable catalytic processes could enhance efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

Contract chemical manufacturers play a crucial role in ensuring that both simple painkillers and complex cancer treatments meet rigorous safety and effectiveness standards. With advancements in catalytic chemistry, such as the one developed by PNNL, chemical manufacturing could become more sustainable while maintaining the precision required for pharmaceutical applications. As industries increasingly shift toward greener production methods, these breakthroughs could help reshape supply chains, optimize resource use, and reduce reliance on petrochemical-based processes. Many healthcare innovations also highlight the importance of integrated cancer support in improving patient outcomes alongside pharmaceutical advancements. Future research will focus on optimizing catalyst performance and scaling up the process for commercial applications, bringing us closer to a more sustainable chemical industry.

2021 International Biomass Conference & Expo goes virtual

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Biomass Magazine announced this week the 14th Annual Biomass Conference & Expo will be taking place 100 percent virtual, March 15-17, 2021.

“It’s been somewhat of a rollercoaster this year and we recognized turning the International Biomass Conference & Expo  into a virtual event would be the safest and most cost-effective option for our attendees, and it would also eliminate any hovering uncertainty,” said John Nelson, vice president of operations, marketing & sales of BBI International. “The event will still contain a massive amount of content, networking opportunities and multiple ways to promote products and services, all from the safety of your office or home.”

General Motors to add 3,000 jobs focused on electric vehicles

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General Motors plans to hire 3,000 new employees largely focused on software development as the company accelerates its plans for electric vehicles, the automaker announced Monday.

GM said the jobs will be focused on engineering, design and information technology “to increase diversity and inclusion and contribute to GM’s EV and customer experience priorities.” The hiring is expected through the first quarter of 2021. Many of the positions will be remote as GM begins to offer “more remote opportunities than ever before,” the company said.

“As we evolve and grow our software expertise and services, it’s important that we continue to recruit and add diverse talent,” GM President Mark Reuss said in a release. “This will clearly show that we’re committed to further developing the software we need to lead in EVs, enhance the customer experience and become a software expertise-driven workforce.” And adopting new solutions for business efficiency is essential, especially in a world where privacy concerns are ever-growing. A service that offers a separate address for business communications can be a game-changer. It allows for better organization and security, which are key components of successful remote work setups. They can also use scheduling software for auto repair services that allows them to easily access and inspect the problem of the car. More details are available about this service.

The hiring blitz comes as the automaker expects to increase focus on electric vehicles, including offering at least 20 new electric vehicles globally by 2023. GM earlier this year said it planned to invest $20 billion in electric and autonomous vehicles by 2025. Know more about the difference of electric vehicle leasing vs buying here.

Ken Morris, GM vice president of autonomous and electric vehicles programs, told reporters on a call Monday that the automaker has pulled forward at least two upcoming electric vehicles following the GMC Hummer EV, which is the first vehicle on GM’s next-generation electric vehicle platform with its proprietary Ultium battery cells.

“We’re moving as fast as we can in terms of developing vehicles virtually, more so than we ever have by far,” Morris said. “We are doing things virtually, more effective than we ever have.”

Shares of the automaker reached a new 52-week high of $39.72 ahead of the Monday announcement. The stock was up 5% during midday trading Monday following market optimism about a Covid-19 vaccine and President-elect Joe Biden outlining priorities that would support electric vehicles. You can research hedge funds and alternatives on upmarket.

“We’re looking forward to working with the Biden administration and support policies that will foster greater adoption of EVs across all 50 states and encourage investments in R&D and manufacturing,” Morris said. “At the end of the day, climate change is a global concern and the best way to remove automobile emissions from the environmental equation is all-electric, zero-emissions future.”

The additional jobs are separate from a previous announcement by GM to hire 1,100 new employees as part of a $2.3 billion joint venture with LG Chem to produce Ultium cells in northeast Ohio.

GM employed about 164,000 people globally in 2019, down from 215,000 in 2015 as the company has restructured and cut operations in recent years. If you need help to cope with an unfriendly office environment, discuss your concerns with an employment lawyer to gain an understanding of your rights and whether any legal violations are occurring within the unfriendly environment. Discussing further into the intricacies of legal defense, it becomes apparent how critical professional advice is. For anyone facing legal troubles, consulting a dedicated expert is advisable, and more information can be found directly at https://www.newjerseycriminallawattorney.com/. Those who are facing dui charges may consult Galveston DUI lawyers.

Hyliion CEO: Natural gas key to future of electric trucking (with video)

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Thomas Healy, the founder and CEO of Hyliion (NYSE:HYLN), believes that as the trucking industry moves into an electric-powered future, the best way forward involves using natural gas to generate the electricity itself.

“It’s taking the best of both worlds.” Healy said during the FreightWaves LIVE @HOME virtual conference on Thursday. Healy delivered a keynote address and took questions from attendees, covering everything from Hyliion’s drive trains to refilling times to the implications of the presidential election.

The CEO spoke weeks after Austin, Texas-based Hyliion went public via a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) merger, making the 28-year-old the youngest self-made billionaire in the U.S.

Ebsray Debuts Pumps for Propane Autogas Applications

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Ebsray Pumps, a designer and manufacturer of regenerative turbine and positive displacement pump technologies, has launched its new HiFlow Series regenerative turbine pumps, which are designed to optimize the transport and handling of propane autogas.

Ebsray says the pumps’ design has very low NPSHr requirements, allowing them to easily transfer low-viscosity liquids at high pressure while handling entrained vapors or liquids at or near their boiling point. While these fluid conditions generally hamper the performance and reliability of most pump technologies, HiFlow Series pumps are able to maintain their efficiency in any pumping and fluid conditions, eliminating the damaging impact of cavitation and pulsation, with flow rates up to 600 L/min (159 gpm).

Ethanol industry still recovering from COVID hit

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When people hunkered down this spring and stopped driving, it had an impact on corn growers, livestock farmers, meatpackers, food and beverage processors, wastewater treatment plants and chemical manufacturers.

That’s all because of ethanol and its many byproducts.

Twenty years ago, ethanol was a blip on the radar in terms of corn usage. Now about 30% of corn produced in the U.S. is made into ethanol.

 

Volvo, Daimler sign binding agreement for new fuel-cell joint venture

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Volvo Group and Daimler Truck AG have now a signed binding agreement for a joint venture to develop, produce and commercialize fuel-cell systems for use in heavy-duty trucks as the primary focus, as well as other applications.

The Volvo Group will acquire 50% of the partnership interests in Daimler Truck Fuel Cell GmbH & Co. KG for approximately EUR 0.6 billion on a cash and debt-free basis. Closing of the transaction is expected during the first half of 2021. The transaction is still subject to merger control review by relevant authorities, as well as other approvals.

Researchers develop new method to turn used cooking oil into biodiesel

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Researchers from The University of Western Australia and around the world have developed a low-cost method for recycling used cooking oil and agricultural waste into biodiesel. The method, published in Nature Catalysis, uses a new type of ultra-efficient catalyst that can make low-carbon biodiesel and other valuable complex molecules out of diverse, impure raw materials.

It is the first time that a multi-functional catalyst material has been developed that can perform several chemical reactions in sequence within a single catalyst particle.

Traton, Hino Team up for Electric-Vehicle Development

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Two global commercial vehicle makers, Germany’s Traton SE and Japan’s Hino Motors Ltd., have signed a joint venture agreement to develop electric vehicles, both battery-electric and fuel-cell versions.

Traton and Hino will combine their unique strengths to develop electric vehicles, including battery electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, and relevant components, as well as creating common EV platforms including software and interfaces.

They will form a team of advanced specialists from both companies and launch activities in Sweden and a second step in Japan. The two companies say teaming up will allow them to shorten lead times for future e-mobility products with battery and fuel cell technology. The two companies are convinced that both technologies will be needed in the future, according to an announcement.

Locomation Uses Automated Platoon for Food Bank Deliveries

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Locomation recently tested its automated platooning technology in a project with government and turnpike officials to make a delivery run from Pennsylvania to Michigan.

On Oct. 22, Locomation made a delivery run from Pittsburgh, Pennsylania, through Ohio via the Ohio Turnpike to Detroit, Michigan. Travelling more than 280 miles, the company made a delivery of groceries from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Foodbank to the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Foodbank and the Forgotten Harvest Food Bank in Detroit to help provide needed supplies for those put out of work by the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout.

Amidst the backdrop of global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic repercussions, the need for robust food safety measures has never been more pronounced. As Locomation’s delivery run facilitated the distribution of groceries to communities impacted by the crisis, honey testing kits offer a proactive solution to ensure the safety and integrity of essential food products, including honey itself. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and scientific methodologies, these kits enable stakeholders to detect contaminants, adulterants, and other quality deviations with precision and efficiency.

In doing so, they not only safeguard public health but also uphold the trust and integrity that underpin the food industry’s commitment to delivering safe, nutritious, and wholesome products to consumers worldwide.

Witnessing Locomation’s successful use of automated platooning technology for its recent delivery, many within the logistics sector are eager to adopt similar advancements. Positioned as a beacon of reliability and efficiency, chicago courier service leads the charge in embracing cutting-edge solutions. Committed to delivering excellence, their service seamlessly integrates the latest technologies into its operations, ensuring swift and secure deliveries.

As the premier courier service, Chicago Courier Service distinguishes itself with unparalleled support and innovation. Through the utilization of state-of-the-art tracking systems and route optimization algorithms, they assure timely deliveries across extensive distances. Their dedication to transparency is evident in their pricing model, offering clients clarity and assurance in every transaction.

Truck platooning is the linking of two or more trucks in convoy using connectivity technology and automated driving support systems. These vehicles automatically maintain a set, close distance between each other when they are connected.